Tinea is a fungus that feeds on skin, hair, and nails. Many people are familiar with athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis. This fungal infection grows in the moist skin between the toes. Symptoms include redness, itching, and scaly or oozing skin. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious, often contracted by walking barefoot on wet floors in public showers, gym locker rooms, or swimming pool areas. In some cases, it can spread to the toenails, termed tinea unguium. This results in nails that are thick and crumbling. Be careful not to touch the infected areas of your feet, because the fungus can be easily spread to the hands, face, and other body parts. Athlete’s foot can be treated with a variety of lotions, creams, and medications. Prevention, however, is the best cure. Wear protective foot coverings in places where tinea thrives, and avoid sharing towels, foot coverings, or socks with others. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and wear different pairs of socks each day. For relief from a stubborn case of athletes’ foot, please see a podiatrist who can prescribe stronger antifungal medications.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a noticeable foot condition. It is a hard lump that develops on the base of the big toe, and if not promptly treated, it may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is a common condition that can happen from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely. As the bunion becomes larger, corns may form on the side of the bunion as it touches the shoe. Genetic factors may contribute to a bunion, and surgery may be an option for permanent removal. A bunion can be uncomfortable and may cause arthritis to develop. Additionally, as it grows, it may become swollen and red, likely causing the need to purchase larger shoes. Relief may be found when the correct shoe size is worn, and a protective pad is put over the bunion to reduce friction from shoes. Bunions are treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly urged that you contact this type of doctor to determine what the best treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many people who are persistent in exercising the muscles in their body, but may neglect their feet. The feet are the foundation of the body, and it is important to properly stretch them to help maintain adequate strength. There are two groups of muscles that are in each foot. The muscles that control the shape of the arch fall into the intrinsic foot muscles and are smaller than the global lower limb muscles. The ankle is moved and flexed by using this group of muscles, and exercising the entire foot can benefit the overall body. There is a specific foot stretch that is referred to as the short foot exercise, which is done by contracting the intrinsic muscles. The benefits of performing this exercise can increase when done while barefoot. The toes can become stronger when a toe splay is frequently practiced. This is accomplished by standing on the floor, and placing the toes apart as wide as possible. This can be repeated several times, after holding for eight seconds. There are numerous benefits of exercising the feet, and if you would like more information on effective stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical doctor and expert in foot and ankle injuries and conditions. These include sports injuries, foot deformities, and toenail problems, among many others. A podiatrist can help with conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, that result from underlying diseases or illnesses. Among the many areas that podiatrists are qualified to treat are musculoskeletal and gait problems that may be the result of congenital abnormalities or injuries. After a gait analysis, a podiatrist may prescribe an orthotic device to counteract the specific problems. For instance, a custom orthotic can correct arch pain caused by flat feet. Podiatrists also treat common foot problems, including ingrown toenails, calluses and corns, and fungal toenail infections. Podiatrists also can offer professional advice on proper footwear and ways to prevent injury among athletes. Please consult a podiatrist if you have problems with your feet. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.